The Bridal Gown is considered by many as the central theme in a wedding. Once the wedding dress has been chosen then everything else falls into place.

Issues such as the groom’s attire, brides’ maid dresses, etc, should all exist for one purpose, which is enhancing the beauty of the bride’s appearance.

Although it is nice to involve family members and friends in the search, it is important to make sure that you make your choice based solely on your own tastes and comfort zone.   Stick to what you know and feel is right, rather than pay too much attention to external forces telling you about this, that and the other.

This said, it is perfectly natural to value the opinion of our loved ones.  However, always keep in mind that you are the one to be wearing the dress for the most part of your wedding day, so it is extremely important that you feel great in it.

Before setting out on a physical search for your ideal dress, take some time to look through several magazines and collect clippings of the styles you favour.  This would help tremendously when you go to the bridal shop and communicate your tastes to the person assisting you.  

Even if you are not sure as to one particular style or other, it would be a great idea to keep pictures just to have a general idea of what style/s you lean most towards. It would be very hard to get to any type of understanding if you have absolutely no idea what you want. With a clear concept in mind, the bridal shop assistant would be able to adapt your tastes to a style that is most suited for you and help you come to a final decision.

There is, undoubtedly, the 'ideal' gown for ANY body shape, bar none.

The following are points to ponder:

If you have a small bust, go for a dress with a high neckline and more elaborate beadwork/ decoration around the bust area for added elegance. (See Fig.1)

A fuller bust line may allow for low cut styles showing cleavage and simpler lines. How low cut depends on one’s shape and size, and it is important to try on different dresses before making a decision. (See Fig.2)

Statuesque, tall and thin figures look gorgeous in fuller skirts, such as tulle, which accentuate the smallness of the waist and pull attention away from the extra height. It is important to note, with reference to the Maltese situation, that one should be careful about emphasizing height – reason being that Maltese men tend to be on the shorter, stockier side.  Every situation is different, of course, and once again, you must see what works for you in your world.  However, if you wish to avoid looking too tall, look past the sleek shift dresses. By the same standards, if you do not wish to seem too slim – try to stay away from dresses with thin straps and a very low cleavage.

Figures with fuller hips are a treat to look at in ‘A’ line skirts or traditional cuts (which pretty much suit any figure). Straight skirts and full chiffon or tulle skirts tend to be inappropriate in this case.  Except for stockier builds with fuller waists and hips, which should avoid cuts at the waistline, elaborate beading on an ‘A’ line skirt would be a plus!  Otherwise, the phrase ‘keep it simple’ applies as much to your dress as to life itself!   (See Fig.3)

It is appropriate at this point to give particular attention to the Maltese body shape, which is really the focus of this article. Maltese people tend to be petite in height, with voluptuous hips, derriere and bust, accompanied by a small waist.  

This is also universally known as the - hey men, watch out! - much drooled after sexy hourglass figure a’ la Marilyn Monroe and J. Lo.

For all these reasons, a typically gorgeous Maltese bride-to-be may want to look at dresses with ‘A’ line skirts and beautifully tailored corseted tops – which in turn slim and lengthen the figure, and accentuate the bust and waist lines, thus showing off her best assets! (See Fig.4)

One cannot stress often enough the importance of trying on different styles, even ones that you wouldn’t think may be a good fit for you – you might be extremely surprised at the outcome!  A wedding dress is a structured item, and in today’s age of lycra and other synthetic stretch comfy clothing, this is something we’re not used to looking at.  It is hard to imagine how we would feel in one.

However, believe it or not, a wedding gown, when carefully chosen, is possibly the most flattering outfit you will ever wear, bringing out the very best in you!  This is, after all, its job, isn’t it?  Please do not think that the traditional colours of ivory or white will make you look unappealing.  This familiar and much abused cliché does not apply here. A beautifully tailored gown, in fact, can turn any figure into a veritable bombshell!

And now a few words about an extremely important item of clothing that goes with your gown – the underwear.

The perfect underwear in any case is that which gives us the shape we want and straightens out all the tiny messes we always complain about (such as extra unwanted bulges and stuff)!  For example, if you want a bit of cleavage because it’s something you always dreamed about – there’s no need to sign up for surgery!  All you have to do is get yourself a nice alternate corset with push up capabilities, and voila’, a miracle happens!

Contrarily, a very slim girl, who prefers to accentuate her petite figure, may forgo heavy underwear and opt for bra-cups instead. The latter are attached to the gown and come in handy especially in times when the hot Maltese climate is about to drive all of us up the wall!

Shoes are also important. The single word we should always remember in this case is one and one alone: COMFORT!  Comfort, comfort, comfort…..can one say this enough times?  Your wedding will last hours – please don’t let a pair of painfully uncomfortable shoes spoil the fun.  Also – if you go for a pair that you can wear after the wedding – wouldn’t that be a major plus?

Finally – do consider the theme, formality and date of your wedding. Your wedding gown may be the most expensive dress you’ll ever buy. The character of the dress and its compatibility with your personality goes beyond fashion trends. Once you’ve found the dress of your dreams, ask your salesperson to help you pick your veil and accessories, and watch in wonder as they all come together. Last but not least, please do not forget to follow doctor’s orders on this most important day of your life – HAVE LOADS OF FUN!!! 

Random Quote:

"Love is like a piece of art work, even the smallest bit can be so beautiful." - Stacie Cunningham